The Prophet Muhammad A simple Guide to his Life
The Policy of the Prophet
~ 106 ~
non-result-oriented action is also an important
sunnah
of the Prophet.
THE PRINCIPLE OF DIFFERENTIATION
From a study of the Prophet’s life, we learn an
important principle – that of differentiation. That is
to say, understanding significant distinctions in
practical matters, and dealing with them
accordingly.
This differentiation is a principle of nature and the
course followed by the Prophet of Islam bears out
the fact that he made full concession to it.
One of the distinctions to be made is between word
and deed. For instance, these words of the Prophet
have been recorded in a
Hadith:
“The greatest jihad was to say a word of truth and
justice to a tyrant ruler. (Sunnan abi Dawood, 4/122)
On the other hand, a number of traditions have
been recorded in books of Hadith, which show that
even if rulers became tyrants, Muslims had to obey
them, and never clash with them or adopt a policy
of confrontation.
(Mishkat al Masabih, 3/1484)
